Introducing Our Correspondents

You may have noticed that we've added the designation Positively Filipino Correspondent under the bylines of Elizabeth Ann Quirino and Rey de la Cruz. The two, along with Anthony Maddela, Myles Garcia and Criselda Yabes, have earned the title because each of them have contributed more than 10 stories for us. We are proud and grateful that these prolific and talented writers have chosen to contribute regularly to this online magazine. And we look forward to getting more stories from them.

Dr. Penelope V. Flores, our resident Rizalista and educator, tickles our imagination this week with her "What If Magellan Had Survived Mactan" hypothesis. Indeed, what would have happened if Lapulapu didn't kill the Portuguese explorer who led a Spanish expedition to look for spices? Would the Philippines have been named Magallanes? Historical ponderings that boggle the mind -- that's what the article is all about.

Meanwhile, at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco this month, an exhibit of the works of Filipino artists Manuel Ocampo and Norberto Roldan is going on. Contributor France Viana, an artist herself, takes us to Ocampo's world in "Art Star Manuel Ocampo’s Second Coming."

In Los Angeles, Positively Filipino Correspondent Anthony Maddela updates us on The Filharmonic, the boy band that continues to wow worldwide audiences with their a capella performances. "Boy Band That Sings Together, Stays Together" focuses on the six astounding talents who appeared in Pitch Perfect 2. 

Our recipes for the Happy Home Cook this week: Suam na Mais by Positively Filipino Correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino and another delicious dessert from Goldilocks.

For Video of the Week, another one from CNN's The Story of the Filipino series, this one on iconic educator Onofre Pagsanghan.

I’m writing from the road this week and I’ve made Notes on a Road Trip.

Babies, Rice and Acting

When theater actor Bodjie Pascua joined the cast of the iconic Philippine children's TV show "Batibot," he became a household name as an entire generation of Filipinos grew up watching and singing along with their Kuya Bodjie. But "Batibot" was just one of Bodjie's sterling achievements as contributor Serina Aidasani notes in "Acting Is No Child's Play." For this dedicated thespian, acting is life itself.

Speaking of children, Positively Filipino correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino writes about Namee Jarolan Sunico who authored the first Filipino baby food cookbook. Certainly Namee fits the bill for Watch Out World, This Is a Filipino.

In Los Angeles, meanwhile, another Positively Filipino correspondent Anthony Maddela writes about a tiny gem of a restaurant called Ricebar, which serves quick lunches to people who work downtown. "Ricebar Raises the Bar on Rice Bowls" spotlights the entrepreneurial abilities of two young Fil-Ams, Santos Uy and Charles Olalia, who saw the potential of a vacant space and gave it life.

With police killings and brutality hitting the news, it's the right time to Read Again our exclusive feature, "Diary of a Fil-Am Cop." Raw, thrilling vignettes on days in the life of one big-city cop who happens to be a Filipino.

Our Happy Home Cook recipe for this week: Ukoy, a merienda favorite from occasional contributor Jojo Sabalvaro-Tan. 

And from Goldilocks: their classic Mocha Chiffon Cake.

It's September, and the Philippines unofficially starts the world's longest Christmas season. Our Video of the Week features comedian Jon Santos who sings "Apat na Buwang Pasko," a finalist at the recent 2015 PhilPop Festival.

Another Man’s Gem

Smokey Mountain. The name alone conjures up images of filth and suffering. Although Manila's notorious garbage dump has been leveled, it continues to fascinate and haunt documentarists such as Japanese indie director Kohki Hasei whose short film, "Godog" pays tribute to the children who lived and survived in this late, unlamented urban wasteland. Manila-based contributor Maria Carmen Sarmiento writes about how this award-winning director saw gems where others saw only garbage in "The Japanese Jologs Who Loves Smokey Mountain."

Tackling the health situation in the rural areas meanwhile is the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (PMSNC), a 42-year-old organization of doctors, nurses, medical personnel and support staff, which has been conducting a yearly medical mission to various areas in the Philippines for 29 years now. Manzel Delacruz informs us about the group's commitment and structure that has made it one of the longest running missions from the US that’s helping alleviate the medical needs of the homeland.

For a touch of nostalgia, we are reposting Lou Gopal's "A Neighborhood of Yesterday: Malate/Ermita District Part 1," which reminds us of the glory days of old Manila. While you're at it, you can also read Part 2 of this fascinating throwback story.

Another Read It Again story: Rochita Loenen Ruiz's "How Tolerant Are the Dutch?" for a firsthand account of living as an immigrant in The Netherlands.

We have another Pinoyspotting report from Bay Area-based Joe Santos from his recent travel to Europe.

How about some sinfully delicious Pork Binagoongan for dinner? Positively Filipino Correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino shares her recipe for cooking the usually fried pork in the oven instead.

And our Goldilocks featured recipe, Sans Rival.

Don't miss our Video of the Week featuring the Pinay girl group "4th Power" on X-Factor UK.

Please read my blog this week, “Road Scholars,” about why a road trip is important.